Information on the most widely used ASTM standards within the materials testing industry
ASTM D2105 Fiberglass Pipe Longitudinal Tensile Tester | UnitedTest
UnitedTest manufactures professional ASTM D2105 compliant longitudinal tensile testing machines, specially designed for accurate mechanical property evaluation of glass-fiber-reinforced thermosetting-resin (fiberglass/GRP) pipes and tubes for industrial quality control and material laboratory testing.
ASTM D2105 Standard Test Method for Longitudinal Tensile Properties of "Fiberglass" (Glass‑Fiber‑Reinforced Thermosetting‑Resin) Pipe and Tube is a key industry standard dedicated to measuring the comparative longitudinal tensile performance of fiberglass pipe specimens. This standardized test method evaluates structural tensile characteristics by applying controlled axial tension force to pipe samples until complete failure.
All ASTM D2105 tensile tests are performed under strictly defined conditioning environments, stable testing temperatures, and standardized crosshead speed parameters, ensuring consistent, repeatable, and comparable longitudinal tensile property data. The test results are widely used for fiberglass pipe material performance comparison, production batch quality verification, structural design validation, and product certification of GRP pipeline products.
Test Principle
The core principle is uniaxial longitudinal tension loading on full tubular pipe specimens under strictly controlled environmental and machine speed conditions. A constant-rate crosshead tensile machine pulls the pipe segment along its central axis until rupture. Load and corresponding axial deformation data are continuously recorded to calculate key tensile mechanical indexes: tensile strength, elastic modulus, elongation at break, mean stressing/straining rate, yield stress, and energy absorption capacity.
The test isolates the pipe’s longitudinal structural bearing capacity of glass fiber reinforced thermoset composite wall, excluding the non-structural inner liner layer when calculating effective bearing cross-section area.

Scope & Materials Covered
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pipe types | Glass‑fiber‑reinforced thermosetting‑resin pipe (RTRP) and glass‑fiber‑reinforced polymer mortar pipe (RPMP) |
| Diameter limit | Generally ≤ 6 in. (150 mm); larger sizes allowed if suitable apparatus exists |
| Polymer note | "Polymer" excludes natural polymers |
| Properties measured | Modulus of elasticity, yield stress, elongation beyond yield point, tensile strength, elongation at break, and energy absorption |
Test Specimen Specifications
Form: Straight sections of fiberglass pipe or tubing.
Length: Minimum 18 in. (45.7 cm) between grips.
Surface: Free from visible flaws, scratches, or imperfections.
Gage length: Minimum 2.0 in. (5.1 cm) for mechanical extensometers; shorter acceptable for electrical strain gages.
Gage marks: Applied via ink, crayon, scratches, or punches — provided they do not damage the reinforcement.
Joint strength: If evaluating joints, the specimen must include a joint centered between the grips.
Grip‑area reinforcement: Additional reinforcement may be added at grip zones for high‑strength pipes to prevent crushing failure.
Number of specimens: At least five per sample.
Test Equipment of ASTM D2105 Longitudinal Tensile Test for Fiberglass Pipe & Tube
| Universal Testing Machine (UTM) | Drive system: Stable uniform crosshead separation speed adjustable to two specified ranges Load indicator: Accuracy within ±1% of indicated load value, low inertia lag; machine calibration per ASTM E4 System rigidity rule: Total elastic longitudinal strain of the entire machine frame/grip assembly shall not exceed 1% of specimen gage length strain under full rated load |
| Specialized pipe tensile grips | Fixed & movable crosshead members, paired with self-aligning specialized pipe tensile grips (segmented collet + internal mandrel + outer reinforcing sleeve assembly) - Grips must prevent pipe slippage and avoid crushing pipe ends during clamping; reinforcing bands are allowed for high-tensile pipe to protect grip zones. - Specimen central axis must align fully with machine pull load line to eliminate eccentric loading.
|
| Extension indicator (Extensometer) | Accuracy ±1 % strain or better; free of inertia lag at test speed; verified per ASTM E83. Desirable (but not mandatory) to auto‑record distance vs. load or time |
Mandatory Test Parameters & Stipulations:
Crosshead speed (no‑load separation velocity): One of two ranges:
0.20 – 0.25 in./min (0.508 – 0.635 mm/min), or
0.40 – 0.50 in./min (1.02 – 1.27 mm/min)
Loading: Continuous to failure. Record load and deformation at even strain intervals. When strain reaches 0.02, record the load and elapsed time; if rupture occurs earlier, record the time to break.
Standard Test Procedure of ASTM D2105 Longitudinal Tensile Test for Fiberglass Pipe & Tube
1. Specimen Conditioning: Place samples in standard temperature/humidity environment for ≥40 h
2. Gage Marking: Draw two reference gage marks on the pipe outer surface within the middle testing section
3. Machine Loading Setup: Mount specimen into segmented mandrel grips, evenly tighten sleeves to prevent slippage without crushing the pipe; strictly align specimen central axis with machine pull direction
4. Instrument Installation: Attach extensometer to the pre-marked gage length
5. Parameter Setup: Set crosshead speed to one of the two specified ranges, initialize load-strain recording system
6. Continuous Tensile Loading: Start machine and pull specimen until full rupture; record load and deformation at regular strain intervals
7. Timing Recording: Capture time elapsed when strain reaches 0.02; if rupture occurs before 0.02 strain, record time-to-break directly
8. Post-test Observation: Document failure mode (e.g., fiber delamination, resin cracking, circumferential break, joint separation) of each specimen.
Calculations & Reported Values
| Parameter | Formula / Basis | Reporting precision |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Max (or breaking) load ÷ original minimum reinforced cross‑sectional area | 3 significant figures |
| Percentage elongation | (Extension at rupture ÷ original gage length) × 100 | 2 significant figures |
| Mean rate of stressing | Load at strain 0.02 (or at rupture, whichever first) ÷ min. reinforced area ÷ time (s) | 3 significant figures |
| Mean rate of straining | Strain at a convenient point on strain‑time curve ÷ corresponding time | 3 significant figures (dimensionless per second) |
| Elastic modulus | Slope of the initial linear portion of the stress–strain curve | 3 significant figures |
| Average & standard deviation | Arithmetic mean of all valid observations; estimated standard deviation
| Ave. 3 sig. fig.; SD 2 sig. fig. |
Related Test Standard:
| ASTM D2105 | Standard Test Method for Longitudinal Tensile Properties of “Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe and Tube |
| ISO 8513 | Plastics piping systems — Glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) pipes — Test methods for the determination of the initial longitudinal tensile strength |
| ASTM D638 | Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics (general plastic tensile test baseline, terminology & stress-strain definitions) |
Industry Applications
Research & development — comparing material formulations, fiber architectures, and process changes under controlled conditions.
Engineering design — providing axial tensile baselines for piping systems that must resist internal pressure, tension, compression, torsion, and flexure simultaneously.
Quality control & acceptance — verifying that production lots meet specified tensile property thresholds.
Procurement / supplier comparison — giving purchasers and sellers a common metric for product qualification.
Typical sectors deploying fiberglass (RTRP/RPMP) pipe under D2105 evaluation:
Chemical processing — corrosive fluid transport where metal pipes fail.
Water & wastewater — municipal water conveyance, desalination, sewer force mains.
Oil & gas — produced‑water lines, gathering lines, downhole applications.
Power generation — cooling water circuits, flue‑gas desulfurization.
Industrial / mining — slurry transport, aggressive media handling.
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Related products and device
Related Standard
ASTM D638 determining the tensile properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics using dumbbell-shaped (dogbone) specimens tested under closely controlled conditions of conditioning, temperature, humidity, and crosshead speed. For measuring the tensile mechanical properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including thermoplastics, thermosets, molded plastics, and plastic composites.
ISO 14125 is a test method to determine flexure properties of fiber-reinforced plastic composites.
There are two methods used, Method A for a three-point flexure test and Method B for a four-point flexure test.
There are four material classes, Class I – IV, which define the specimen length, span, width, and thickness.
The standard requires deflection measurement not exceed +/- 1% error of full scale.
ISO 14125 is based on the ISO 178 standard and both utilize three point flexural testing of a freely supported bar loaded between the supports.
ISO 14125 focuses on fibre reinforced plastic compositesand has an alternative 4-point loading testing procedure, Procedure B.
The material properties recorded by following the standard are the flexural stress, flexural strain, elastic modulus in flexure and interlaminar shear modulus.
Compression-testing machine which will comply with ISO 5893 and shall be capable of maintaining speeds of (0.5 +- 20 %) mm/min to (500 +- 10 %) mm/min.
ISO 14126 Compression test Fibre-reinforced plastic composites — Determination of compressive properties in the in-plane direction
The ISO 14126 and ASTM D3410 standards describe the shear loading compression test on composites. The objective of this standard test method is the determination of compressive properties in laminate planes.
For this method, the compression force is transmitted via shear forces to the specimen, which is secured in the test fixture and usually includes cap strips. Homogeneous stress distribution is achieved if there is sufficient grip-to-grip separation in the unsupported center area of the specimen.
One of the benefits provided is axial guidance of the specimen during the test, as well as the elimination of force application via the end faces. This eliminates the need for high-precision preparation of the specimen end faces.
FAQ - ASTM D2105 Longitudinal Tensile Test for Fiberglass Pipe
Q1. What is ASTM D2105?
A: ASTM D2105 is the Standard Test Method for Longitudinal Tensile Properties of "Fiberglass" (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe and Tube. The current edition, D2105-25, was approved January 15, 2025.
It is a comparative axial tensile test — the specimen (a straight section of fiberglass pipe) is pulled in tension to failure under defined conditioning, temperature, and cross-head speed, producing a stress–strain curve from which tensile strength, elastic modulus, elongation, and other properties are derived.
The standard covers both:
RTRP — glass-fiber-reinforced thermosetting-resin pipe (without aggregate)
RPMP — glass-fiber-reinforced polymer mortar pipe (with siliceous sand aggregate)
There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
Q2. Why is ASTM D2105 important for fiberglass pipe?
A: Fiberglass pipe performance depends strongly on the reinforcement architecture and laminate design. Two pipes that look geometrically identical can respond very differently to axial load — one may be optimized for torsion, another for internal pressure, another for axial tension.
D2105 matters because it:
Provides a standardized, comparable axial tensile baseline — so purchasers and suppliers can compare RTRP vs. RPMP, different fiber architectures, or different suppliers on a level playing field.
Supports quality control & acceptance/rejection decisions — lots are qualified against specified tensile property thresholds.
Feeds engineering design — tensile strength and elastic modulus feed directly into pipe system design for restrained joints, thrust blocks, trenchless pulls, and above-ground spans.
Enables R&D comparison — material formulations and process changes can be evaluated under controlled, repeatable conditions.
Documents compliance — generates the paper trail required by procurement specs, third-party certification, and regulatory programs.
Q3. What properties does ASTM D2105 measure?
A: From the load–strain data, the following are reported:
Tensile strength (maximum or breaking load ÷ minimum reinforced cross-sectional area)
Elastic modulus (slope of the initial linear portion of the stress–strain curve)
Elongation at break (percentage)
Yield stress (if a yield point exists; many FRP materials do not exhibit one)
Elongation beyond yield point
Energy absorption
Mean rate of stressing and mean rate of straining
Failure mode description (fiber break, delamination, matrix crack, etc.)
Results are reported as average value + estimated standard deviation across at least five valid specimens.
Q4. Who needs ASTM D2105 testing?
A: Primary users include:
| Sector | Why they need D2105 |
|---|---|
| Chemical processing | Qualify FRP pipe for corrosive fluid transport |
| Water & wastewater utilities | Municipal mains, desalination, sewer force mains |
| Oil & gas | Produced-water lines, gathering lines, downhole tubulars (referenced by API 15HR, API 15LR) |
| Power generation | Cooling water, flue-gas desulfurization piping |
| Mining | Slurry transport pipe qualification |
| Pipe manufacturers | QA/QC, product development, supplier comparison |
| Independent testing labs | Third-party certification and acceptance testing |
| Research institutions | Composite material characterization |
Q5. What is the purpose of the ASTM D2105 test fixture, and why is it critical?
A: The fixture is the single most important piece of hardware in the test. Its job is to:
Hold the pipe securely without slippage during the test
Prevent crushing of the brittle FRP pipe ends under grip pressure
Self-align so the pipe's long axis coincides with the direction of applied pull
Transfer load uniformly via distributed radial pressure rather than point contact
A typical UnitedTet™-style fixture consists of:
Tapered mandrel — inserted into the pipe ID; converts axial pull into radial expansion
Segmented grip sleeve — expands outward against the pipe wall, creating a distributed-pressure friction lock
Reinforcing band — optional steel band wrapping the pipe OD at the grip zone to prevent hoop cracking
Threaded coupling & 1"-12 stud — connects the assembly to the testing machine crosshead
Pivot mount — allows the assembly to rotate into perfect axial alignment as soon as load is applied
Without a proper D2105 fixture, the pipe will either slip, crush at the ends, or break at the grip — invalidating the test. UnitedTet™ manufactures the full range of D2105 fixtures covering pipe ODs from 0.25 in. up to 6.0 in.
Q6. Why choose UnitedTet™ D2105 fixtures for my testing lab?
A: UnitedTet™ (by Beijing United Test Co., Ltd.) provides:
Full D2105-25 compliance — engineered to the latest 2025 edition
Modular sizing — one base fixture body covers a wide OD range; only the mandrel/sleeve set changes between pipe sizes
Crush-free gripping — distributed radial pressure eliminates pipe-end splintering
Self-aligning pivot — removes operator alignment error automatically
High-strength alloy steel — hardened with black oxide or nickel-plated finish for long service life
Rapid changeover — mandrel/sleeve swap in minutes
Complete accessory line — studs, clevis adapters, reducers, spare mandrels, and sleeves
Global support — technical service across 80+ countries.
Q7: Why cannot I use normal flat tensile grips (for ASTM D638) for ASTM D2105 test?
A: ASTM D638 tests flat dumbbell plastic coupons. Fiberglass pipe is hollow tubular structure.
Standard flat grips will cause three serious problems:
1. Local squeezing and crushing of pipe wall at clamping area
2. Specimen premature breakage inside grips (invalid test data)
3. Eccentric load, resulting in inaccurate modulus & strength values
ASTM D2105 explicitly requires inner mandrel + outer split collet clamping structure — exactly the design of UnitedTest dedicated fixture.
Q8: Can ASTM D2105 test pipe joints/couplings?
A: Yes. ASTM D2105 permits specimens with assembled pipe joints placed in the middle of the free test length.
UnitedTest ASTM D2105 fixture fully supports joint tensile testing, to verify whether the pipe coupling meets longitudinal tensile design load.
Q9: What minimum specimen length is required by ASTM D2105?
A: The clear free length between two gripping zones shall be minimum 18 inches (457 mm). Specimens shorter than this do not comply with standard requirements, and test results will not be accepted by third-party certification bodies.
Q10: How does UnitedTest fixture avoid crushing fiberglass pipe ends during clamping?
A: We adopt the standard-specified dual protection system:
1. Internal support mandrel: Supports pipe inner wall to resist inward compression force
2. Segmented outer split collet: Provides evenly distributed 360° circumferential clamping force
Pressure spreads uniformly around pipe circumference, preventing localized wall collapse.
Q11: What is the difference between ASTM D2105 and ASTM D5418?
A: - ASTM D2105: Longitudinal axial tension on full pipe section
- ASTM D5418: Ring tensile test for hoop (circumferential) performance
These two standards test two independent directions of fiberglass pipe mechanical properties; both are usually required for complete pipe structural evaluation. UnitedTest also supplies ASTM D5418 ring tensile fixtures as matched optional equipment.
Q12: My test shows large deviation between parallel specimens, what are possible causes?
A: Common reasons:
1. Poor concentric alignment between fixture and pipe specimen (eccentric load)
2. Improper clamping force: over-tightening crushes pipe, insufficient tightness causes slipping
3. Specimen surface defects or inconsistent wall thickness
UnitedTest self-centering fixture structure minimizes alignment errors and improves repeatability of test data.
Q13: Will slippage happen between pipe and collet during tensile test?
A: If operated correctly with matched mandrel & collet size, slippage is eliminated. We recommend checking outer diameter tolerance of each pipe batch and selecting matched inserts. For ultra-smooth pipe surfaces, optional friction-enhancement treatment on collet inner surface is available.
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